Minnesota Timberwolves scouting FA G Dennis Smith Jr

The Minnesota Timberwolves may not be done just yet. Even as the roster feels nearly there, the team could benefit from one more backcourt player who can run the offense. Who might that be? Well, there is one name that has been under consideration, whether or not the Timberwolves will act is simply not determined.

The Timberwolves, as well as a number of other NBA teams, were on hand to observe a workout by former Portland Trail Blazers point guard Dennis Smith Jr.  Smith is rebounding from a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.

The injury was announced in February 2022, so he is marketing himself hard to land an NBA contract and roster spot.

As 6-foot-2 and 205-pounds, Dennis Smith Jr. is a solid size to handle running the floor off the bench. While his perimeter shot is still a work in process, he is a career double-digit scorer, as well as averaging 2.94 RPG, 4.25 APG, and 1.08 SPG.

Smith is a former NC State player, who was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

What is so very intriguing about Smith is the fact that he has a solid game on both offense and defense. While that may not translate into significant minutes for the team right away, it does mean that he could be incredibly valuable in practice to improve the play of his teammates, most notably D’Angelo Russell.